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Chronic Illnesses Research Paper

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jRUNNING HEAD: The role of psychology in the onset of a chronic illness, as well as how psychological factors are related to the experience of chronic illness.

Introduction
American Psychology defines Association defines chronic illnesses as those who either have symptoms that occur on a constant basis or flare up episodically. While some chronic diseases may be terminal, much more are not. While these conditions can only be alleviated, they can usually be controlled through diet, exercise, lifestyle, and medical care and may even go into temporary remission. Chronic illnesses are common; it is estimated that more than 80% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic disease. (( The Psychology of Illness).
Discussion

Unlike acute illnesses …show more content…
As a result, it is not uncommon for those suffering from chronic illness to have feelings of isolation, frustration, and hopelessness, especially if their condition is impacting relationships with friends and family, finances, or plans. Chronic illnesses can often come with serious lifestyle changes and some carry heavy stigmas that can embarrass those who have them. Reduced abilities, high costs of treatment, and a loss of self-worth and self-esteem can all take a toll on the mental health of those with chronic illness. Research shows that 25-33% of those suffering from chronic illness also report depression, a psychological condition which may exacerbate existing health problems by creating poor eating habits, lack of exercise, poor hygiene, and social isolation, as well as coming with a host of its physical symptoms. ( The Psychology of …show more content…
One got worse after the illness onset because of onset because she was single until she died and my cousin was in charge of taking care of her. She first found out her disease in 2002 and fought with the disease within seven years before she died. The length of time drained her emotionally and physically. She experienced a lot of pain before dying in 2009. The other aunt who also died of cancer in 2015 but did not feel much pain like the older one because my aunt had her family take care of her. She could also take care of her niece when she got cancer. Although she died eventually, her illness did not make her feel much pain. As stated in the reading “A final issue worth addressing is the extent to which gratitude as a positive psychological construct is unique in predicting depression. It is possible that the expected effects of gratitude are simply reflective of a wider range of positive psychology constructs that may be equally beneficial for adjustment to chronic illness. Sirois, F. M., & Wood, A. M.

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